Extraordinary Ordinary People

Simon T. Bailey is no stranger to success, even though he's quite familiar with failure. At a young age, Simon was turned down for multiple sports teams-but he didn't let that stop him. He left his first college after just one year and moved into a low-income neighborhood. His path took him to a high-level role, which he transitioned away from when it became clear his days as an employee there were numbered. But in every situation, Simon was constantly searching for a way to use what he was truly passionate about-- helping others to discover their inner brilliance. Simon is unafraid to transform himself, to recognize the need to evolve. He understands this means putting yourself out there and potentially failing. He spends this episode sharing his experiences and dropping life-changing perspectives on how you can help yourself grow, forgive others, and take responsibility for pursuing your dreams and find success. About Simon T. Bailey: Simon T. Bailey helps people discover their inner brilliance. A best-selling author, Success Magazine's 2018 Top 25, and renowned teacher, Simon has shaped the lives of more than 2 million people in 45 different countries. Simon is one of America's Top 10 Most-Booked Corporate and Association Speakers and recently was inducted into the National Speaker's Association Hall of Fame. Whether advising CEOs or speaking at a conference, Simon knows that everyone has the potential to be brilliant. Simon T. Bailey grew up in Buffalo, New York. Show Highlights: What Simon was doing at 8 years old that forecasted his successful career today Simon's experience trying out for sports and the impact failure had on him The surprising and memorable first public speech Simon gave Simon shares his experience moving by himself into a low-income neighborhood at 19 The 3 questions Simon asked himself that were the catalyst for him to move into his business How Simon transitioned from a high-level leadership role at Disney to follow his dreams Why it's important to have a mentor and how they make a difference How you can make a tangible impact in your life starting with 15 minutes each day The benefits of really engaging in therapy, especially for men Links Mentioned in the Show: SimonTBailey.com Simon T. Bailey - Lynda Courses Video Links: https://vimeo.com/242164507 https://vimeo.com/247528559 https://vimeo.com/236607218 Other Links: The Hottest Event Keynote Speakers for 2018 | ITA Group https://www.success.com/article/25-successful-people-wholl-help-change-your-life-in-2018 Our Courses: https://www.simontbailey.com/courses - In particular, our Brilliant Presenter and Shift Your Brilliance courses Social Media: Twitter - @simontbailey Facebook – www.facebook.com/simontbrillionaire/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontbailey/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simontbailey/

Rayshun Lamarr has officially put his voice in the arena-- it's where he's always known he wants it to be. As a singer since childhood, it would be easy to stay on a relatively safe course as an entertainer and rely on the talent he's been recognized for since an early age. Instead, Rayshun creates opportunity after opportunity for himself to hone his craft and put himself up against the best. His first steady gig as a professional singer was with host Andy Kushner with a 10-piece party band called SoundConnection. Weddings were a huge entry point into Rayshun's experience entertaining crowds on a stage and forging emotional connection live. His hearty experience on the stage prepared him for successfully auditioning for The Voice, where he is currently competing for the ultimate grand prize. Rayshun's passion, tenacity, and joy are infectious and will make you want to cheer him on long after his time on The Voice ends. About Rayshun: Rayshun Lamarr hails from North Carolina and currently resides in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Influenced by artists like Ella Fitzgerald and John Legend, he attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and grew his musical talent over the years, taking on every opportunity available to sing and perform professionally for the past 13 years. Rayshun is currently competing on Season 14 of The Voice. Show Highlights: Rayshun's earliest memories of music and singing The dramatic story of Rayshun singing his very first solo The moment Rayshun knew he wanted to be a professional singer What Broadway dream Rayshun held close as an adolescent How Rayshun's high school completely ignited his passion for the arts Rayshun shares his experience auditioning for Andy's band, SoundConnection How singing for SoundConnection transformed his music career Stories of what it's like to receive criticism in the entertainment industry Rayshun shares influential advice from his early mentors about staying humble Rayshun's traumatic experiences from the day that led to his cancer diagnosis What motivates Rayshun to keep up his incredible energy on stage How Rayshun felt as he got ready to sing for his blind audition of The Voice Rayshun shares what made it difficult to choose between Adam Levine and Alicia Keys as his coach on The Voice Special insights from Rayshun's time on The Voice so far, including hints at what's to come Links Mentioned in the Show: The Voice - Rayshun's blind audition The Voice - Rayshun vs Tish Haynes Keys in the battle round The Voice - Rayshun singing "Fallin" by Alicia Keys Rayshun singing "Don't Stop Believing" in Singapore Sound Connection

Chuck Johnson knew since he was a child that he wanted to be a musician. After persistently nagging his father (who played music in a band during rowdy parties) to teach him how to play, he learned his first 3 chords at 6 years old. Chuck Johnson probably never imagined his early childhood fascination would turn into a successful career as a prominent member of 3 bands and internationally touring with a jazz legend. From the ins and outs of forming bands over his career to the way he balanced a job with his musical commitments, Chuck spends this episode sharing stories and providing insight into his wide-ranging career-- including playing some live music from his most recent album. About Chuck Johnson: Originally from Ferrum, a small rural town in southwest Virgina, Charles "Chuck" Johnson is a guitarist and vocalist for the band TK-421 and Najee. He got his first big break in a variety band called Bananas At Large. In addition to his experience with Bananas At Large and TK-421, Chuck performs occasionally with jazz artists Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, Will Downing, Maysa, and others. Show Highlights: Chuck's early musical influences, from family jam sessions to big-time artists What motivated Chuck's father to give him a banjo at 12 years old Who influenced Chuck to veer away from his musical roots of country and bluegrass When and how Chuck decided to improve his vocal cord care How Chuck was recruited to join Bananas At Large What goes through Chuck's mind during a performance Chuck hypothesizes on why Bananas At Large became such a huge success The events that led to Chuck leaving Bananas At Large and forming TK-421 What it was like to perform in music while he was balancing a full-time job Andy and Chuck reminisce about the cross-over in their musical backgrounds How Chuck bypassed auditioning and began playing with Najee Chuck's tips for learning on the job in brand new situations What it was like for Chuck to play in front of Stevie Wonder Chuck shares his love of music by singing and playing a song from TK-421's latest album Links Mentioned in the Show: Bananas At Large Bananas At Large performing Led Zeppelin's "Trampled Under Foot" TK-421 - Facebook Page Najee

Colin Cowie is a top designer for all things weddings, as well as galas, charitable events, corporate and destination celebrations. He's beloved by the likes of Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld, Elton John, Michael Jordan, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Aniston, and countless other A-list celebrities. Since Colin arrived in Los Angeles from Kitzwe, Zambia at the height of apartheid in 1985, his professional life has soared. Colin grew up in a household that constantly entertained friends and family, so when he came to the US, he just started doing the same thing he had always been doing at home in Zambia. While teaching cooking lessons at age 23, he met a woman whose chance encounter soon led to his first wedding assignment for a local bachelor: Hugh Hefner. Thirty-one years of parties, weddings, and multi-day events later, he's never created the same event twice. The degree to which Colin cares for and personalizes his work is not just unmatched, it's nearly indescribable, and precisely why he's consistently relied upon by the most discerning of clientele. He learns everything there is to know about his clients, over hors-d'oeuvres and champagne, until the event he crafts (and the journey on which he takes his clients to get there) is not just perfectly tailored, but permanently unique. When he isn't designing weddings and Fortune 500 parties, Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball or Guinness Book of World Records-breaking pyrotechnic shows abroad, Colin works as "creator-director" for elite brands like NetJets, Dom Perignon, and Bergdorf Goodman; even private islands. Idyllic as Colin's life may sound, and so often is, he and Andy extend their conversation today beyond the exclusive glamour of the luxury events industry to the unseen challenges once faced in the midst of the great recession, Colin's daily routines (from meditation and "I am" statements to nightcaps), professional strategies, and the critical value of humility and gratitude. Show Highlights: Beef jerky and Jaegermeister aren't things you normally associate with Colin - hear his story about both. Delivering babies? Yep, Colin's done that too. Even at the top of his game, Colin wasn't immune from crisis - hear how he lost 80% of his income almost overnight. Learn how Colin feels about his employees leaving to start their own business. Colin's philosophy behind what he charges for his services. Learn about Colin's multiple streams of income and his recommendations for you to create them too. Links •Colin Cowie Lifestyle •Instagram •Facebook •Twitter •Wilkie Blog •FOOD, Inc. NYC •Learn more about each of Colin's books on Goodreads andAmazon

The story of how I met Dennis Chambers started with a music performance I will never forget. However, that's not why I'm here. Today, we learn how Dennis Chambers became the legendary drummer he is today. From his earliest memories of copying records on a toy drum kit, to slinging tracks with the likes of John Scofield and Miles Davis, Dennis has a story to tell about everything. Like the music he plays, Dennis shares stories with a rhythm and flow that is music to my ears. You definitely do not want to miss out! Though Dennis is a self-taught musician, he claims he learned from the best. He was so good, that his drumming appeared on a gospel record when he was just 7. At 13 or 14, James Brown was asking him to play in his band. The names just keep coming! Dennis has jammed with the likes of P Funk, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clark, and Carlos Santana. Across the decades, across jazz, funk, soul, and rock and roll, Dennis has become a master chameleon of rhythm and style. I had the opportunity to hear Dennis perform at Blues Alley with Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker - and to watch him play is unbelievable While seeming completely calm and in control of his craft, Dennis can light up a stadium, like he did, beginning as a teenager, during his Parliament Funkadelic days.. When you get a guy like Dennis talking, expect your mind to melt a little bit. His experiences and memories could fill a book, but for now, we'll settle with a podcast episode. Listen to hear all of these stories of music and soul unfold. Episode Highlights: Dennis shares how he remains so very calm in the middle of mind-bending performances. With a Motown singer mom, music was in Dennis' DNA. Dennis first picked up a stick when he was 3 years old, and got his first drum kit when he was 4. We discuss how Dennis got his professional start at a very young age. Finding your sound is a constantly evolving process. Dennis shares all of his early influences and inspirations. Playing with P Funk gave him incredible exposure. Hear some of Dennis' favorite bass players to work with - he has worked with some of the greats! What's new on the horizon for Dennis. Connect with Dennis Dennis' Website Here are some of my favorite performances by Dennis: Dennis plays on David Letterman: Dennis gets FUNKY at Drum Camp: With Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker: Dennis' Drum Solo - This is AMAZING!: Dennis is Sponsored by the following companies: Pearl | Zildjian | LP percussion | Ddrum electronics | Evans Drumheads